Holy Martyrs Photius and Anicetas (284-305)
2 Corinthians 7:1-10; Mark 1:29-35
Post-feast of the Transfiguration; Dormition Fast
Read Mark 1:29-35
Today’s Gospel lesson gives us an account of the Lord visiting a family home. His presence is requested by Simon and Andrew and is accompanied by James and John. As Jesus spends time with the family the needs are brought to his attention. In short time the Lord’s bright penetrating presence disarms their inhibitions, which prevented them from inviting him deeper into their life. Just by spending time with him, in a place where they can let their guard down, his compassionate love is able to lift them up.
Repeated faith filled invitation to the Lord into our lives and homes is important. We see that the Lord does not force entry into our lives or homes, but waits patiently for us to invite him, to open the door to him, and to put down any inhibitions which would prevent the Lord from extending his powerful and healing hand to us. For him to fill our needs and lift us up requires that we spend family time with him. We need to allow his penetrating and bright presence to enter into our family, to disarm our inhibitions and reach deeper into our lives. All this is possible if we invite Jesus with faith, spend time with him with love, not only as a personal act, but also as a family activity.